Unlike other departing coaches who immediately head for television announcing gigs or the golf course, Dungy has far more important things in mind. Like trying to influence others with positive messages beyond the three Christian-themed books he already has written.
For the past several years, Dungy was torn between staying in the NFL and the pursuit of nobler endeavors. When meeting with Colts media last week, a then-undecided Dungy discussed his desire to eventually become involved in such undertakings as prison ministry and family-oriented works like mentoring teenagers.
The latter became even closer to Dungy's heart following the 2005 suicide of his 18-year-old son James.
Dungy couldn't be blamed had he walked away from coaching then. He instead became an example of how to persevere through immeasurable grief. Dungy was rewarded the following season when Indianapolis won Super Bowl XLI, reaffirming that nice guys can still finish first among his predominantly cut-throat peers.
It wasn't the first or last time Dungy would serve as a role model.